But European Parliament president Martin Schulz sent a letter to the head of the conference of committee chairs asking him to gather information on how Brexit will affect EU documents being discussed by parliament committees.

Mr Schulz asked about the possible impact of Brexit on files currently under discussion by committees and what will happen if the files are not complete before divorce proceedings begin.

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The letter from Martin Schulz has sparked fears British MEPs could be sidelined from committees

The letter has sparked fears British MEPs could be sidelined from committees.

A decision is expected to be made by the heads of committees by January.

But until Article 50 is triggered, Britain remains a full member of the crumbling bloc with ministers and MEPs playing major roles in the EU decision-making process.

AFP

Martin Schulz sent a letter to the head of the conference of committee chairs

Officials from other member states are said to be concerned that involving British MEPs and ministers in committees once Article 50 is triggered could give Theresa May's Government an unfair advantage in Brexit negotiations.

Irish MEP Brian Hayes says he is against removing the Brits from committees.